A SPANISH INTERVIEW

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3542, 25 February 1927, Page 9

A SPANISH INTERVIEW

MB. ROBERT REEL IN SPAIN. The following is a translation of an article which appeared In “El Liberal," a Spanish newspaper, on December 22, 1926; Mr. Robert Bell, a New Zealand newspaper proprietor, who was President of the Press Congress of the World, held at Geneva last September, is at present in Seville. Mr. Bell has been travelling in the South of Spain for some months, devoting special attention to Andalusia. Recently ho visited Algeciras, Granada, Ronda, Malaga and Cordova, and was greatly impressed by their beauty and prosperity. ‘‘l was especially surprised," Mr. Bell said to us,” at the intensive cultivation of the country, which contrasts strongly with the belief commonly held abroad that the soil of Spain is unproductive. Nevertheless, I believe that it could be made to produce more. In particular I have been struck by the possibilities of the olive cork and beetroot and of fruits." The thing which -impressed him most was the enormous extension of olive plantations. In Mr. Bell’s opinion Andalusia would produce much more if she would study irrigation, utilising the rivers. “Irrigation,” he said, "is a newer which you do not sufficiently appreciate, and which is worth thousands of pounds. ? The application of scientific methods in order to aid production contributes to a nation’s greatness, since the value of food is always the factor which determines the price of the world’s goods. If the rivers are improved. labour costs will be reduced and the production and consumption of food will ne cheaper. “Now,” he concluded, "I return to Algeciras, after visiting Jerez, and then I shall tour Mediterranean Europe until the spring when I shall return to London, perhaps first coming to Sevillle again."